Today, many people enjoy video games. In fact, 58% of Americans play video games. But video games are not just for kids and teens! The average age of game players is 30. Forty-eight percent of gamers are male and 50% are female. Games are purchased equally by males and females. Adult gamers have been playing video or computer games for an average of 16 years.

Question

A 2011 study found that 91% of young people ages 2 to 17 play video games. Thirty-six percent of gamers are females over the age of 18. Seventeen percent of gamers are males under the age of 18.

Gaming can be an interactive or a social activity. More than half of U.S. households (51%) have some type of gaming console. A majority of gamers play games with others, either in person or online. Sixteen percent of gamers play with parents, 32% play with other family members, and 42% play with friends. Smart phones have made it possible for teens to play games on their phones, and 44% of people choose to play games on their phones.

For many, computer and video games seem to be a wiser choice for spending their entertainment dollars. Forty-four percent feel that purchasing video or computer games is more value for their money than buying DVDs or purchasing music or going to the movies. As a result, people are spending less time watching TV, going to the movies, or watching movies at home.

Some parents are concerned that their children are being drawn to video and computer games at a young age. Some parents, 91%, say they set limits on the amount of time their children spend playing games. Eighty-two percent of parents say they are present when children choose a game to purchase and/or when they are playing games. Many parents feel that video and computer games have become a positive part of their child’s life.

Video and computer games have become a big part of the entertainment for people of all ages. Christian Adame, assistant curator for the Phoenix Art Museum, says:

“I would say the evolution of video games has been very rapid. Because video games rely so much on technology and innovations, the possibilities of video games have been very quickly transforming before our eyes. Based on Passage A, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A
Most people play games on their smart phones.

B
The largest percentage of gamers is under 17 years old.

C
Males and females play video and computer games equally.

D
More than half of U.S. households have at least one game console.

Answer 1

Based on Passage A, the statement that is TRUE is:

D: More than half of U.S. households have at least one game console.

This is supported by the information provided in the passage, which states that "More than half of U.S. households (51%) have some type of gaming console."

The other options are not supported by the passage:

• A: While 44% of people choose to play games on their phones, this does not indicate that most people play games on them.
• B: The passage states that 91% of young people ages 2 to 17 play video games, but it does not say that the largest percentage of gamers is specifically under 17 years old.
• C: Although the passage mentions that games are purchased equally by males and females, it also specifies that 48% of gamers are male and 50% are female, which suggests that they are not equal in terms of the percentages of gamers overall.